Went to WC this morning(35 miles one way) to buy some new blades for my bandsaw.(osluns on sale) Checked online and they were to have 2 in stock for my saw. Got there and they were no where to be found. Instead they offered me a Timberwolf for 25% off . Needless to say I jumped on that. They have a disclaimer on their website that says you should call the store and verify the inventory(which I didn’t) but I feel WC treated me right on this one.

The WC in Orlando is closest to me (46.4 miles one way) and I wanted that Whiteside router bit on sale this month.The only time I go there because of the distance is when we have our guild meeting second Thursday of the month.Well, more times then not, they are out of the sales items by the time meeting night comes.And I’ve been dissapointed by that more then a few times.So, I called and asked that they put one on the side for me until Thursday.I was told that I’d have to pre-pay by credit card and then come in and get it.I called the boss back and told him that I use cash for my transactions and that if I said I wanted one, they could be assured that I’d pick it up.I received a call back a short time later and was told the bit would be in the back & waiting for me to pay for it on meeting night.They didn’t have to do that, but they did, and for that I will remain a loyal customer.All us woodworkers ask for is a fair shake and if you treat us right, we’ll be good customers for, God willing, a long time.Good post Howie.

I travel for work a fair bit, and as I travel I like to visit woodworking supply stores, which frequently end up being WC. I have found the customer service to vary a fair bit from store to store. There are those that have extremely knowledgable helpful staff and there are those with staff I’m not sure know the difference between a bandsaw and a router.

I would recommend calling and verifying the item is in stock. If they can physically put their hands on the item (I did this when working at Lowe’s), then I would ask if they could hold the item for whatever time it takes to get to the store. Also, get the name of the person you talk to so you can verify the conversation and request.